Hello from "Historic" Durkeeville

[nattymani]

Hi,
I put the "Historic" in parenthesis since we don't yet have that designation.  We're still working on it though; it's a tough struggle in what is considered to be one of the worst areas of Jacksonville.  I love my little historic bungalow and garage apartment though, and my neighbors are generally older people and they're good people contrary to popular belief.   I'm originally from Louisiana and live here with my husband who is in the Navy and my 13-year old daughter and I'm an English Prof. at FCCJ's Downtown Campus.  I'm happy to meet you and look forward in participating on this site.

[jbm32206]

Welcome to the forum....glad to have you join!

[JeffreyS]

Welcome aboard prof.

[downtownparks]

Hey Prof. Nice to have you back. I drive through your area every day now. My eldest goes to Susie Tolbert so I am very familiar with the area. I think Durkeeville is a great example where a few bad apples have ruined the name and reputation of an otherwise fine neighborhood.

[teresangel]

I feel stupid; I thought Durkeeville had already gotten that designation.  It's silly that it hasn't yet.

Welcome =)

[downtownparks]

I think part of the problem is, there are elements within Durkee that feel the designation would hurt rehab efforts.

[RiversideGator]

Welcome aboard.   

Durkeeville certainly deserves historic status IMO.  I have driven through there many times and am always struck by all the architectural gems there.  It needs to be preserved and having the historic district status helps with this in many ways including with tax savings for major restorations.  It also helps to prevent the alteration of facades in ways which detract from the look and feel of the neighborhood.  So, keep up the good fight and good luck!

[nattymani]

Thanks so much!  It feels great to have so much support.  A fellow colleague who also resides in Durkeeville and I started a historic designation group called Citizens for DARP (Durkeeveille Acquisition, Revitalization, and Preservation).  Of course, we need city council support and our phone calls have gone unanswered for at least a year now by our council woman.  We're not going to give up though.  It's so true about the few bad apples spoiling the bunch, and I don't know about you guys, but I have certain friends who I am constantly defending Durkeeville and surrounding downtown neighborhoods to.  It gets exasperating at times, but I wouldn't trade city living for a suburban characterless cookie cutter for one nanosecond.

[Timkin]

Welcome welcome!!!

[Ocklawaha]

Welcome Aboard nattymani!  Now if you and I can just convince JTA to put that Riverside Streetcar (proposed) through the Myrtle Avenue Subway, we could someday soon tap Durkeeville with a REAL HISTORIC TROLLEY! AL LA New Orleans! Check out our transportation section if your interested.

OCKLAWAHA

[Sportmotor]

sup